Rain threat looms large ahead of 3rd India vs Australia ODI in Indore

Rain has been a constant companion of the Indian team ever since they began their much-awaited bilateral series against Australia. After a truncated game in Chennai and a brief shower during the match in Kolkata, rain might again play the spoilsport in the 3rd ODI between India and Australia, at Indore. The 3rd ODI is all set to take place at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on September 24 (Sunday).

Indore has been in the shadow of dark clouds since the beginning of this month and it has been raining incessantly for the last couple of days. Further, the ground had to be covered completely for the major part of Friday, owing to a heavy downpour from around Thursday midnight to the morning hours of Friday. Curator, Samandar Singh Chauhan is having a tough time preparing the pitch for a good game on Sunday. India is currently leading the 5-match ODI series 2-0.

Curator optimistic about the match on Sunday

As reported by Hindustan Times, Chauhan said, “It has been a big challenge to get the ground ready. The whole ground has been covered. We have been struggling to get the ground dry.” However, he is optimistic of there being a good of cricket on Sunday. “We are in touch with the MET department. It will be cloudy on Saturday and there will be clear skies on Sunday. However, there is a threat of a short, passing shower,” he said.

Chauhan and his staff are working relentlessly to eliminate damp patches along the boundary and ensure a dry outfield for Sunday’s match.

Indore being equipped with a strong drainage system is a good sign and with a ground-crew of 80 men, it is possible to get the field in proper playing conditions within an hour of a heavy shower. Recounting past experiences of similar situations, the curator spoke about the inaugural Test match at the Holkar Stadium against New Zealand in October 2016, when it had rained cats and dogs for a couple of days preceding the match.

“In the Test match last year, there was rain on October 6 and there was rain on October 7. However, there was not much rain as compared to this year,” he stated.